Earlier in the year, I started an art program at the KidsUp! Parent Child Center on Bainbridge Island, WA. I began with craft-type, direction-based projects every other Tuesday afternoon. I ran into a number of obstacles, one being that the afternoon wasn't an optimum time for younger children, then, choosing a craft for ages 0-6 was very challenging. However, parents seemed to respond to the catchy titles and project descriptions and attendance was good for a new program.

The projects resulted in an esthetically pleasing finished project and the parents were happy. Unfortunately, while the children enjoyed the very simple projects (glue googly eyes on a pine cone), they were overwhelmed by multiple directions combined with the opportunity to think creatively. They struggled through the project and left the table as soon as they could. Not the vision I had for developing a preschool art program that would build a lifelong platform for making and appreciating art while learning fundamental skills like eye-hand coordination, creative and imaginative thinking, and enjoying self-reflective projects.

In response, I started an open studio - one table for clay or Play Doh, one for easels and painting, one for collage and oil pastel drawing. No directions, minimal supervision, just a room dedicated to art materials and exploration. This was loosely based on the Reggio-Emilia idea that a child should be provided a stimulating environment and learning should happen independently as the child explores without guidance or direction. Wow - what a difference. Children were running into the art studio when they were ready to make art, choosing the medium they wanted to use, and on their own, deciding what they wanted to make. Oftentimes, parents were relaxing outside of the room and the same kids that wouldn't sit though a 15 minute art project were spending 45 mins to an hour painting and sculpting. When the pieces were completed, children not only titled their works by describing what they had made, but would tell long, involved stories about the painting. Some children even painted in series. This was exactly what I was trying to do....build an enthusiasm for art which would grow in the years to come, allowing children to find a quiet peace when they sit down with a paper and paints or clay, and grow into adults who through all the busy, panicked dealings of everyday life can sit down for a few minutes and escape into their imagination to re-center their focus.

So why did the latter work while the other was such a failure (for the children)? A preschool teacher told me the other day that they had difficulty helping a child with an art project because they didn't always know what the child was thinking and when they tried to help, the child got very upset because they were doing something that the child wasn't trying to do. Then it clicked. As adults, we like to have a process that leads to a result. We try to categorize and define things in an attempt to find a logical and efficient solution. When we provide projects for our children, we are giving them opportunities to learn, or we are teaching them something. Teaching is a method, so it only makes sense that we revert to process=results. We want the children to have a good-looking result because, as adults, that is how we judge success. However, success for children is not necessarily results-based until they learn that results are important. Success is about achieving what they intended in their minds, not ours. Often what is successful to them is not aesthetic to us. But I believe that success in preschool art is achieved when the child feels he/she has been successful because that is what will create the enthusiasm for the next project.

So how, as adults, do we guide children with art, without directing them from their original intent? It clicked for me the other day when I was speaking to the preschool teacher. I had a moment after I spoke to her when I thought, "Why were you interfering with her art project?" Then I realized that they were actually doing more of a craft project so the child likely needed assistance with the tools or method to reach the intended result. What if we are able, as adults, to label preschool projects as art OR craft - not arts AND crafts? We can make a specific distinction. Crafts are projects with exact instructions, which when followed will lead to a defined result. Crafts are important because they teach us to use tools, follow directions, work with colors, develop eye hand coordination, etc... These are things that we use in every aspect of life and also the foundation for making art. Art is an experience. The materials provided are used to exchange thoughts and ideas, a basic and effective means of communication. Art allows the artist to interpret his or her environment while delving into the depths of the imagination. Art is something that doesn't need assistance and does not rely on a finished project.

Do you run a martial arts studio? If so, you know that the competition out there is fierce, and your competitors are always looking at ways to improve their programs and increase revenues. Have you been doing the same? Chances are that you already have a variety of add-on programs and are always considering others; that is, if space permits and you are still looking for ways to grow your business.

If you are like most school owners, you are looking for programs that:

1) have synergy with your overall focus and values,

2) will excite your current students and keep them training with you for longer, and

3) will help differentiate your school from your competitors', thus helping with recruiting and enrolling new students to your school.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) meets these criteria for many martial arts schools today, and is an intriguing option as an add-on program. Having evolved from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and then Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consists of takedowns and ground grappling techniques which can be combined with most specialty martial art forms to give you and your school a competitive edge in attracting and retaining students. Under the direction of a BJJ black belt, an add-on BJJ program can be customized to fit into Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu schools, among others, and can be taught to children as well as to men and women of all ages.

There are a number of add-on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling programs available today. All you need to do is a simple Google search and you will find them. These programs are typically offered through an Association, which in turn is led by a BJJ Black Belt. Before moving forward with a BJJ program at your school, it is important to verify that the Association and Black Belt you choose to work with has the authority to promote your students, and to have these promotions recognized by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Furthermore, you should insure that the Association is willing to work with you to develop a syllabus that is consistent with the programs you already offer, and that it meets your scheduling constraints.

The key for implementing a successful BJJ program at your school and having it work over time is to have the complete support of a Jiu-Jitsu Association, which provides instructor training and certification, as well as providing a structured curriculum, an instructor manual, lesson plans and other support tools. With this relationship and these tools, you are not dependent on the whims of the individual instructor de jour. While books and DVDs are excellent support materials, most martial arts practitioners are not comfortable teaching a BJJ program after learning techniques this way. Regardless, a truly successful BJJ program cannot be dependent on the instructor (even the school owner / operator); instead, it requires a systematic approach to teaching, along with the guidance and support that is best provided by a partner BJJ Association led by a qualified BJJ Black Belt.

You as the school operator will always have the responsibility to hire your instructors, and to insure that they have the credentials required and the ability to teach. At the same time, it is important that your BJJ Association is involved with the direction and support of your BJJ instructor(s); in fact, they may be able to recommend or even provide one or more instructors for your school. Regardless of where your instructors come from, all should be trained and certified by the Association, and agree to abide by the Association's teaching methodology, syllabus and rules and regulations. This way, you can insure consistency of your program over time, independent of the specific instructor.

An art studio is a place where an artist is free to create. No unwanted intrusion is allowed here, whether it is the annoying sound of cars passing outside, the colored light from a billboard on the neighboring building or even the presence of the loved ones. In the studio an artist needs to be able to go beyond the everyday concerns and find what is hidden deep inside her.

Many persons turn their living-rooms or their bedrooms in artist studios. But these spaces have different purposes and that is why they have disadvantages. Perhaps you wake up inspired by a dream in the middle of the night and feel the urge to let your ideas flow under the fresh impression of your dream. If your easel is in the bedroom you might really disturb your partner who is sleeping. The living-room is an area where children play, the TV is on and your cat brushes around your legs. There is no room for creativity there.

If you manage to define a limited space meant only for your art you should decorate it in a practical, yet pleasant manner. The practical side is concerned with having a large table with several drawers where you can store your materials and tools away from the reach of children, while you are not working. Make sure you have enough natural light to be able to create the exact colors you wish or to see any unwanted shadow on your sculptures.

But one of the most important things is to install tile flooring in you art studio. Although wooden floors give a warmer feeling, they are not very practical. An artist should not be constantly worried about spilling paint on the floor, about its brushes dripping or about the falling pieces of clay. With this in mind you will surely lose any connection with your muse. Some paints are very difficult to clean off wood. For that you may need to use substances or tools which can visibly damage the floor. Instead, when the floor is made of marble tiles, you can clean easily any kind of stain without destroying the design of your art studio.

If you are a diehard ceramics fan and don't have a home art studio of your own, now is the time to get one. Taking classes through a community college or any other place can be restrictive to your creativity. For example, you are limited to whatever types of clays and glazes they have on hand. With your own studio, you also won't have to worry about trying to find a local store that will let you use their kiln to fire your work. If you create your own ceramic pieces with great regularity, than a studio is a great idea for you. It is now easier than ever for anyone to get started on his or her very own art studio.

What you decide to buy for your studio is based on your own personal taste. If you enjoy working with warm glass, then you should check out the latest selections of glass kilns. A glass kiln would be a valuable commodity if you quite often work with bits of glass for your projects. Your own glass kiln can also prove to be a creation saver. If you purchase a glass kiln with a shelf in it, you can compile your glass design directly in the kiln. This way you won't ruin your decorations when transporting to your local community glass kiln.

If you prefer to work with your hands in clay rather than with glass, perhaps you should start your home studio with a potter's wheel. With your own potter's wheel right in your own home, you will have access to your work whenever the mood may strike you. If you feel like working on your latest throw at two in the morning you will be able to. In addition to your potter's wheel, you might want to also purchase your own ceramic kiln. This way, when you are finished with your latest work of art, you will be able to fire your piece right away. With ready access to your own kiln, you will be able to see the results of your labors when you want to, rather than according to the hours of your local ceramics store. If you start your studio with a potter's wheel and a ceramic kiln, all you will need then is some pottery wheel clay and you will be ready to go!

However, if you don't have the budget that purchasing all these helpful items calls for, there is still a cheaper option. If you like working with clay but can't afford a wheel or kiln, all you need to do is buy some clay that doesn't require firing to harden. This way you can sculpt whatever you want then simply let the piece air dry or bake in the oven depending on the type of clay you use. A basic tool that you will also want to purchase is a simple rolling pin. This will prove invaluable in your clay creations. Also, be sure to have some nail hole filler on hand, just in case you have any cracks you need to fill.

If you are a diehard ceramics fan and don't have a home art studio of your own, now is the time to get one. Taking classes through a community college or any other place can be restrictive to your creativity. For example, you are limited to whatever types of clays and glazes they have on hand. With your own studio, you also won't have to worry about trying to find a local store that will let you use their kiln to fire your work. If you create your own ceramic pieces with great regularity, than a studio is a great idea for you. It is now easier than ever for anyone to get started on his or her very own art studio.

What you decide to buy for your studio is based on your own personal taste. If you enjoy working with warm glass, then you should check out the latest selections of glass kilns. A glass kiln would be a valuable commodity if you quite often work with bits of glass for your projects. Your own glass kiln can also prove to be a creation saver. If you purchase a glass kiln with a shelf in it, you can compile your glass design directly in the kiln. This way you won't ruin your decorations when transporting to your local community glass kiln.

If you prefer to work with your hands in clay rather than with glass, perhaps you should start your home studio with a potter's wheel. With your own potter's wheel right in your own home, you will have access to your work whenever the mood may strike you. If you feel like working on your latest throw at two in the morning you will be able to. In addition to your potter's wheel, you might want to also purchase your own ceramic kiln. This way, when you are finished with your latest work of art, you will be able to fire your piece right away. With ready access to your own kiln, you will be able to see the results of your labors when you want to, rather than according to the hours of your local ceramics store. If you start your studio with a potter's wheel and a ceramic kiln, all you will need then is some pottery wheel clay and you will be ready to go!

However, if you don't have the budget that purchasing all these helpful items calls for, there is still a cheaper option. If you like working with clay but can't afford a wheel or kiln, all you need to do is buy some clay that doesn't require firing to harden. This way you can sculpt whatever you want then simply let the piece air dry or bake in the oven depending on the type of clay you use. A basic tool that you will also want to purchase is a simple rolling pin. This will prove invaluable in your clay creations. Also, be sure to have some nail hole filler on hand, just in case you have any cracks you need to fill.

The martial arts industry has stayed fairly constant over the past hundreds of years. The concept originally began in 450 BC and has developed and evolved overtime. The reason the trends are important to analyze are because the industry is always evolving to the needs of the people. There are more people practicing martial arts now more than ever and the industry has to grow to accommodate for this surge in popularity.

Martial arts are now seen more as treatments or therapies then they have in the past, as well as an excellent aerobic workout. Martial arts helps participants improve their health, control their mind and body, have self-confidence, humility, courage, and respect for others.

With the surge in popularity each of the studios need to be prepared for increase in participants. Here are three ways your martial arts studio can prepare for the rush of customers:

1. Add more class times. Becoming more available to the students is vital when the popularity begins to sore. If you have to increase the staff at your school and it makes sense in your budget and for your schools goals it makes sense to had more people to accommodate for the surge in popularity.

2. Order more supplies and uniforms. These added supplies will make the new students feel comfortable in your school even though they may not come prepared. It may be more money out of pocket but it will be made up by the increased revenue from the new business.

3. Make sure to have your school's name well marketed and noticed by search engines. With an increase in popularity it is important for the public interested in martial arts to know about you and your school. By having your school well known and well placed online with search engines your target market will easily find your school.